Approaching the Finish Line: Preview of Matchweek XXI of the Freedom QJ League

Taraz – Kaisar: The Southern Duel

The hosts still hope to finish the season in the upper half of the table – currently sitting seventh, four points behind Irtysh. Askar Kushikbayev’s side are on a three-match winning streak. Will the “Wolves” be the ones to stop it?

Zhas Kyran – Irtysh: Can Pavlodar Stay in the Medal Race?

A tough test awaits the Pavlodar side – a clash with one of the main contenders for silver. Should the visitors claim victory, they might get a real shot at the top three, depending on other results.

Both Zhas Kyran and Irtysh have been inconsistent in their last five matches – two wins, two defeats, and one draw each. Predicting the outcome of this encounter won’t be easy.

Aktobe – Kairat: Playing for Pride, Not Points

Neither Aktobe nor Kairat can change their position in the table – the “Red-Whites” will finish eighth, while the Almaty side, as a reminder, have already become three-time champions of the League’s flagship tournament. But the rivalry between these two clubs remains as fierce as ever: while the visitors aim to close the year undefeated, the hosts will do everything to prevent that.

Ordabasy – Astana: Shaping the Final Top Three

The central match of the round will determine whether Astana keep their place in the top three heading into the decisive weekend, or drop into the chasing pack. In the first-round meeting, it was Shymkent’s side who triumphed – though not without difficulty. Can the southerners repeat that success when it matters most?

Atyrau – Caspiy: Can the Aktau Team Escape the Bottom?

On Sunday, the “Oilmen” will seek revenge for their first-round defeat to the visitors from Aktau. Meanwhile, Caspiy still have reason to fight – the standings remain tight enough for them to climb off the bottom before the season ends.

Tobol – Shakhtyor: The High Price of Error

Another team eyeing a place in the top three is Shakhtyor Karagandy. In the past two seasons, the “Miners” narrowly missed out on medals, finishing fourth both times. They currently occupy the same position, but Pavel Zayats’ men still have every chance to change that. Tobol, meanwhile, have lost six matches in a row – will the Kostanay side finally break their poor run?